What are the best shoes for nursing?

Nurses Uniform/Gear

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I'm a new grad. Most of my previous positions required me to stand for long periods of time and I never really found the shoe that worked for me. The best I found were Crocs, but I'm not a fan of how they look. I'm very interested in people's opinion and what works well for them. I don't want to fight daily back pain and sore feet. I know that is going to happen, but I would like to minimize it as much as I can. I was going to buy the Dansko but wanted to get some feedback first.

Specializes in ICU, Telemetry, PACU, Med-Surg.

I have tried tons of shoes and the ones I always go back to are my K-Swiss sneakers. The basic kind that come in all leather, white or black. I can make it in Birkenstocks, but the K-Swiss are more comfy for me.

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Thanks so much everyone for the recommendations. I think I will start trying some but keep my crocs close by till I find the right pair.

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If you don't have to wear white shoes, then I highly recommend just a pair of Merrell's - I got a pair about 3 years ago now that are water proof and they are the best pair of shoes I've ever owned and they look like they're still relatively new and I assure you I am pretty tough on my shoes. I also have to wear orthotics for my high arches and they fit perfectly inside. They really are waterproof as well, I can walk through rain/puddles and my feet stay completely dry.

I had a pair of Nurse Mates when I was in school and they were comfortable but they made my feet stink SO bad even with socks - never had a pair of shoes do that to me before.

The Merrell's ran me about $120 for the waterproof type and they have paid for themselves.

I recommend going and trying shoes on - if you think you can get a better price on the internet then go try them on first and then order online.

Link to the pair I have: http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Womens-Pandora-Ventilator-Athletic/dp/B0043CHRKC/ref=pd_sbs_shoe_5 (I don't see them on Merrell's site anymore, but i didn't look very long)

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Rehab, OR.

I wore Danskos for years and loved them. But then, I don't know if something changed with them but they didn't seem to fit the same, so I went to sneakers, but unless you get the perfect sneaker, it didn't work for me. So, I tried Crocs and I love them and now wondering where in the world they have been all my life!!! I know you said you don't like the look of them but man are they comfy. But you have to go with what works best for you.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I love my Quark Pro-Air II Nurse's shoes. I had a pair of Dansko's and my feet have never hurt so bad. I returned them soon thereafter, but then someone told me that you have to give them 2 weeks to break in. No break in time needed for my quarks, they are durable, comfortable, have great padding/inserts, and vents on the side so your feet can breathe. They are also less than $50 a pair - can't beat that!

I have also heard good things about the Z-coil, several coworkers swear by them, one w/ plantar faschiitis. Weird lookin shoes, but they work and make a fun conversation piece ;)

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There's a new brand coming out next year, 4Eursole, and many people have tried on a prototype sample and said it's absolutely amazing. I've heard they will be available in stores in March, and there's already a list of people waiting for them! Sometimes there are promotions that offer a discount code for a free pair!!!!

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Specializes in nursing education.

I tried Danskos but the top of my foot kept going numb. I currently wear Alegria and I adore them. I teach and have 9 students at clinical so constantly running. My feet love the Alegria! I have the zebra striped ones! So many colors to choose from ..

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I enjoy my Alegria's - great support.

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